More Flights To Run Between India, Afghanistan
Two more cities in Afghanistan will now be connected via a direct air route from New Delhi.
The cities of Mazar-e-Sharif and Heart are the new additions to list.
This can be seen as another step by India to enhance people to people contact and adding a new dimension to the budding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The inaugural direct flight was seen off from the Maulana Jalalludin Balkhi airport in Mazar-e Sharif for IGIA, Delhi at 10.30 am on Monday. A privately owned Afghan airline Kam Air owned by Kamgar Group will operate two flights a week from Mazar in Monday &Wednesday and from Herat on Friday & Tuesday.
The historic step was inaugurated by Dr Mohammad Afzal Hadeed, Chairman of the Provincial Council of Balkh Province and Manjish Grover, Consul General of India in Mazar-e Sharif. Seeing the flight off were also other dignitaries and business leaders in Mazar.
As per the local media reports, the Indian Constellate General lauded the combined efforts of the Govt of Afghanistan & India, the Civil Aviation Departments in both sides, authorities in Mazar and the Kam Air management in making this possible so quickly. He remarked that what better day to start the flight than on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who was an embodiment of non-violence and peace.
“There has been a demand for a direct flight to Delhi from Mazar from visa seekers for long and Afghan people in the Northern Provinces who travel to India for medical treatment will benefit the most. It will lead to more easier trade and commerce from North Afghanistan with India as business travellers will find it easier to use this direct connection,“ he added.
As per a press statement issued by the Indian constellate in Mazar-E- Sharif Dr Haded said that this was a landmark day for Mazar-e Sharif and that a direct flight will ease travel and trade with India for people in the Northern Provinces and bring our two nations and people even closer.
India and Afghanistan have been working closely to boost bi-lateral relationships. The move comes within a month after two very important strategic visits from Afghanistan to India.
Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and Afghan Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah.
India has pledged its assistance to Afghanistan in development of projects like water supply project for Kabul, low-cost housing for returning refugees, and Shoot Dam project.
India will also assist Afghanistan in police training and development for Afghan security personnel’s to help the war-torn country, 40 per cent of which is under the clutches of Taliban.
